For the past six years George Lucas has been responsible for a generation of thirty somethings revisiting their childhoods and rubbing their hands in anticipation for the release of each Star Wars prequel. At the same time he has won over a new generation of young fans to both the new series and the previously made films that have now become 4, 5 and 6 in the series. The first two new episodes were met with much criticism from fans and media alike whereas many others were just happy to go along for the ride. With Lucas’ final outing in the saga, it seems he has learned from any mistakes he made with the first two and delivers a spectacular finale with Revenge of the Sith.

This is the one everyone has been waiting for - the movie that reveals how and why Anakin Skywalker goes against everything the Jedi code stands to become the ultimate sci-fi villain Darth Vader. The movie starts three years after the Battle of Geonosis and the Clone Wars are coming to a close. Obi-Wan Kenobi, now a general, is sent by the Republic to bring down remaining separatists Count Dooku and General Grievous. The corrupt Chancellor Palpatine has proclaimed himself Emperor and promises Anakin Skywalker an irresistible power if he turns to the dark side. This promise is given if Anakin assists the Chancellor in converting the Republic into a Galactic Empire under his rule by whatever means necessary. This leaves Obi-Wan Kenobi no choice but to hunt down and do battle with his former apprentice. As Anakin ultimately becomes the evil we know as Darth Vader, the pregnant Padme, under protection, goes into hiding in order to save her children from the evil clutches of their father.

Visually, Revenge of the Sith is utterly breathtaking. There is no excuse for waiting to see this one on to be released DVD as it must be seen on the biggest screen you can get to. The special effects team has gone all out on this finale, from the stunning space battle that opens the movie to the hell-like planet of Mustafar. As far as the acting goes the talents of Ewan McGregor and Ian McDiarmid provide two of the more credible roles whereas Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman’s performances are a little dry and less convincing. But the action sequences, sound editing and visual effects are some of the most stunning and technologically advanced used in a movie to date so I don’t think Lucas would apologise for letting the performances take a back seat. Episode 3 is definitely the darkest movie in the series and there are some scenes that may be a little intense for the pre-teens hence the M rating which indicates Lucas was out to impress his older audience.

Like the final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, fans of the series will be saddened that this is the end of an era. But that should be the only disappointment when leaving the cinema as this is one spectacularly satisfying piece of sci-fi escapism.